Playing the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, in the heart of the media capital of the world, captured college basketball's characters.
From the signature sweaters of Lou Carnesecca and John Thompson to the Beast of the East nickname placed on Patrick Ewing, the Big East provided a colorful cast from the beginning.
“I don't think it can ever be replicated,” said former Pitt star Charles Smith, the 1988 conference Player of the Year. “The Big East will go down as the most exciting conference in college basketball. We had coaches who were personalities. You had players who were characters. They weren't just names.”
Eventually, Pitt became the toast of the Big Apple. The Panthers played in the Big East championship game seven times in eight seasons from 2001-08.
Julius Page played in four consecutive Big East finals, winning MVP in 2003, and always will remember the ride.
“To go there and have success made it more fun,” Page said. “That feeling — getting on the bus every single game and seeing all the fans in their school colors — that never gets old.”
The Panthers are hoping to make one last title run before joining the ACC this summer.
“It's sad to see it coming to an end like this,” said Pitt assistant coach Brandin Knight, the 2003 Big East co-Player of the Year, “but because of what we've been able to accomplish the last 10 years or so in the league and the Big East Tournament, the expectation there is that we're going to be there for the entire week, we're going to win.”
Kevin Gorman is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at kgorman@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KGorman_Trib.
"I would say one of the great accomplishments in college basketball period, not just in the Big East, is the amazing job that both Ben Howland and Jamie Dixon have done together to put Pitt basketball in a category it had never been in before. … To watch the standard of excellence be established for now about a 15-year period, it is incredible, especially when you consider that in Western Pennsylvania there's not a plethora of talent, which, a lot of times, is what fuels college basketball programs. And to watch those two guys do what they've done — and I know the new arena has certainly helped — to me, that more than anything epitomizes Pitt's place in Big East basketball history."
Arizona coach Sean Miller, a former Pitt point guard (1988-92)
"When I was in college, you step out there on the floor at Madison Square Garden, and it's a big deal because you hear the buzz of the crowd. Even when it's silent, there's noise. It's an oxymoron, but it's true. There's the acoustics, the anticipation of stepping onto the floor, everybody is taking their annual trip to New York City for Broadway plays and to watch Pitt play. Everything rallies around that one trip. You're on a pro floor, the way the lighting is set up. It's a great experience, a little intimidating the first time.
"I'm kind of sad to see it go, but from what I understand they're still keeping the name. But, overall, it won't be the same teams. The nostalgia will be gone. It will definitely be a different Big East. The memories of that conference and the way it was publicized because it was in New York City with all the media, I don't think it can ever be replicated. The Big East will go down as the most exciting conference in college basketball. We had coaches who were personalities. You had the sweaters with John Thompson and Lou Carnesecca. You had players who were characters. Patrick Ewing was the Beast of the East. They weren't just names."
Charles Smith, former Pitt All-American forward (1984-88)
"All I remember is being up till four in the morning and watching film. It's not great experiences. You're up four straight nights watching film all night. That's what you want. You want to be in that situation. You bring all the scouting reports for every team in the tournament. As soon as you win a game, you're going directly to lower lobby area and start watching the next opponent. You remember the preparation more than anything. You're exhausted."
Jamie Dixon, Pitt basketball coach, on the Big East Tournament
"It doesn't get bigger than Madison Square Garden. To go there and have success made it more fun. That feeling, getting on the bus every single game and seeing all the fans, all the cameras, that never gets old. I played in four straight championship games, and it doesn't get old. Even the next day, you're amped. That's a beautiful thing."
Julius Page, former Pitt guard (2000-04)
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